2007-2008 Bowl Games

2007-2008 Bowl Games

BCS Bowl Games: (and BCS predictions)

Rose Bowl presented by Citi
Jan. 1 – 4:30 p.m. Pasadena, CA. ABC
BCS vs. BCS (Big Ten Champion vs. Pac 10 Champion, if available)
SportsGorilla Prediction: UCLA vs. Michigan

Allstate Sugar Bowl
Jan. 1 – 8:30 p.m. New Orleans, LA. FOX
BCS vs. BCS (SEC Champion, if available)
SportsGorilla Prediction: Tennessee vs. Louisville

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
Jan. 2 – 8 p.m. Phoenix, AZ. FOX
BCS vs. BCS (Big 12 Champion, if available)
SportsGorilla Prediction: Texas vs. LSU

FedEx Orange Bowl
Jan. 3 – 8 p.m. Miami, FL. FOX
BCS vs. BCS (ACC Champion, if available)
SportsGorilla Prediction: Virginia Tech vs. Hawaii

Allstate BCS National Championship
Jan. 7 – 8 p.m. New Orleans, LA. FOX
BCS #1 vs. BCS #2
SportsGorilla Prediction: USC vs. West Virginia

The rest of the bowl games (I won’t even try to predict these)

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
Dec. 20 – 9 p.m. San Diego, CA. ESPN
Tie-Ins: Mountain West vs. Navy-At-Large

R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
Dec. 21 – 8 p.m. New Orleans, LA. ESPN2
Tie-Ins: Sun Belt No. 1 vs. C-USA

PapaJohn’s.com Bowl
Dec. 22 – 1 p.m. Birmingham, AL. ESPN2
Tie-Ins: Big East (or MAC) vs. C-USA

New Mexico Bowl
Dec. 22 – 4:30 p.m. Albuquerque, NM. ESPN
Tie-Ins: Mountain West vs. WAC

Pioneer PureVision Las Vegas Bowl
Dec. 22 – 8 p.m. Las Vegas, NV. ESPN
Tie-Ins: Mountain West No. 1 vs. Pac-10 No. 4

Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
Dec. 23 – 8 p.m. Honolulu, HI. ESPN
Tie-Ins: C-USA vs. WAC

Motor City Bowl
Dec. 26 – 7:30 p.m. Detroit, MI. ESPN
Tie-Ins: Big Ten No. 7 vs. MAC

Pacific Life Holiday Bowl
Dec. 27 – 8 p.m. San Diego, CA. ESPN
Tie-Ins: Big 12 No. 3 vs. Pac-10 No. 2

Texas Bowl
Dec. 28 – 8 p.m. NFL Network
Tie-Ins: Houston, Texas
Big 12 vs. C-USA

Champs Sports Bowl
Dec. 28 – 5 p.m. Orlando, FL. ESPN
Tie-Ins: ACC No. 4 vs. Big Ten No. 4 or No. 5

Emerald Bowl
Dec. 28 – 8:30 p.m. San Francisco, CA. ESPN
Tie-Ins: ACC No. 7 vs. Pac-10 No. 5

Meineke Car Care Bowl
Dec. 29 – 1 p.m. Charlotte, NC. ESPN
Tie-Ins: ACC No. 6 vs. Big East

AutoZone Liberty Bowl
Dec. 29 – 4:30 p.m. Memphis, TN. ESPN
Tie-Ins: C-USA No. 1 vs. SEC No. 6

Alamo Bowl
Dec. 29 – 8 p.m. San Antonio, TX ESPN
Tie-Ins: Big Ten No. 4 or No. 5 vs. Big 12 No. 4

Petro Sun Independence Bowl
Dec. 30 – 8 p.m. Shreveport, LA. ESPN
Tie-Ins: Big 12 No. 7 vs. SEC No. 8

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl
Dec. 31 – 12:30 p.m. Fort Worth, TX ESPN
Tie-Ins: Mountain West vs. Pac-10

Sun Bowl
Dec. 31 – 2 p.m. El Paso, TX CBS
Tie-Ins: Big 12-Big East-Notre Dame vs. Pac-10 No. 3

Humanitarian Bowl
Dec. 31 – 2 p.m. Boise, ID ESPN2
Tie-Ins: ACC No. 8 vs. WAC

Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl
Dec. 31 – 4 p.m. Nashville, TN. ESPN
Tie-Ins: ACC vs. SEC No. 5

Chick-fil-A Bowl
Dec. 31 – 7:30 p.m. Atlanta, GA. ESPN
Tie-Ins: ACC No. 2 vs. SEC

Insight Bowl
Dec. 31 – TBA Tempe, AZ. NFL Network
Tie-Ins: Big Ten No. 6 vs. Big 12 No. 6

Outback Bowl
Jan. 1 – 11 a.m. Tampa, FL. ESPN
Tie-Ins: Big Ten No. 3 vs. SEC

AT&T Cotton Bowl
Jan. 1 – 11:30 a.m. Dallas, TX FOX
Tie-Ins: Big 12 No. 2 vs. SEC

Gator Bowl
Jan. 1 – 1 p.m. Jacksonville, FL CBS
Tie-Ins: ACC No. 3 vs. Big 12-Big East-Notre Dame

Capital One Bowl
Jan. 1 – 1 p.m. Orlando, FL. ABC
Tie-Ins: Big Ten No. 2 vs. SEC No. 2

International Bowl
Jan. 5 – 12 p.m. Toronto, Canada ESPN2
Tie-Ins: Big East-Notre Dame vs. MAC No. 4 or 5

GMAC Bowl
Jan. 6 – 8 p.m. Mobile, AL. ESPN
Tie-Ins: C-USA No. 2 vs. MAC

College Football Preseason Conference Rankings – SEC

Sports Gorilla 2007 Preseason Conference Rankings

SEC – South Eastern Conference predictions

East
1.Tennessee
2. Florida
3. Georgia
4. Kentucky
5. South Carolina
6. Vanderbilt

West
1. LSU
2. Auburn
3. Arkansas
4. ALbama
5. Mississippi
6. Mississippi State

It looks like another tough year for the SEC. So many good teams and good players. 4-5 teams could easily be in the running to be nation champion, however chances are every one will beat each other and only 1 team will have a shot. LSU is everyone’s favorite, but I really like Tennessee this year. Eric Ainge looks ready and I think if they can get past Cal in the season opener things will be headed in the right direction. I think Tennessee will pull off an upset and knock off favorite LSU in the SEC championship. Florida is back to defend their national title. Kentucky had a surprisingly nice season a year ago and hopes to continue. South Carolina and Steve Spurier should be good. Darren McFadden from Arkansas is the nation’s best player. Auburn has the pieces to win the conference. There is so much talent on these teams. The SEC is the best conference in football and this year is no exception.

College Football Preseason Conference Rankings – WAC

Sports Gorilla 2007 Preseason Conference Rankings

WAC – Western Athletic Conference predictions1. Hawaii
2. Boise State
3. Fresno State
4. Nevada
5. San Jose State
6. Idaho
7. New Mexico State
8. Louisiana Tech
9. Utah StateThe WAC enjoyed a phenomenal year last year. Boise State busting into the BCS and beating Oklahoma. San Jose State, Nevada and Fresno State should be good this year again. Boise State will not be as good as they were last year, but the should be competing for the conference title again. Hawaii looks outstanding. Their offense broke all kinds of record in 2006 and are back for more. I think Idaho will be better this year. And New Mexico State’s offense can score on anyone. The WAC is making headway and coming off a banner year. The WAC should be able to continue rolling this year as well.

The Best Football game I have ever seen

I have seen quite a few football games in my life. There are a few that stand out, BYU vs Utah last year was amazing (this was my top game for about a month), Texas vs USC in the national championship game in Jan of 2006, and quite a few more. However, that is not my purpose today to tell of the of handful of amazing games I’ve seen.

I want to say the best game I have ever seen was the Boise State vs Oklahoma Fiesta Bowl. I still cannot get over the finish to that game. Amazing. Boise State’s dominance, Oklahoma’s comeback, Zanbranski’s interception returned for a touchdown, hook and ladder to tie the game and the 2 trick plays in overtime to win. Entertaining. Thrilling. All I can do is sit and shake my head thinking about it. Wow.

The situation in which the game took place is what made it so awesome. Boise State and little known school from hickville Boise Idaho. They have only been division 1A for around 10 years. They play in the measly WAC. But now, you can’t say all those things anymore. Boise State had busted the BCS. they weren’t wanted, no one thought the could compete… and yet? I am a huge underdog fan. I loved it when Utah destroyed Pittsburgh in the Fiesta Bowl two years before that.

Boise State vs Oklahoma is a classic in my book. I was, for now, the best game football game I have ever seen.

College football games with huge implications in 2007 season

As always conference games make or break a season for many NCAA football teams. The SEC and Big 10 are famous for cannibalizing themselves. For the non-BSC conferences (or should I say the conferences that don’t have a freebie into the BCS) it is crucial to walk straight through the conference schedule unbeaten. Besides conference games the non-conference games have huge implications. I have put together a list of absolutely huge season changing games for this season.

2007 Big Football Games:

Week 1 – Tennessee at California
PAC 10 or SEC? Get this season started right in week 1

Week 1 – Utah at Oregon State
I think Oregon State can make some noise this season, but will a non-BCS league make the first knock out?

Week 2 – TCU at Texas
For all the BCS buster lovers this game is huge. I may be more excited to see this game than any other on the schedule.

Week 2 – BYU at UCLA
Can the Mountain West earn respect by ruining UCLA’s hopes?

Week 3 – USC at Nebraska
PAC 10 vs Big 12 frontrunners

Week 3 – West Virginia at Maryland
Big East’s best vs. ACC potential champ candidate

Week 3 – Notre Dame at Michigan
Always entertaining, always important to both teams

Week 3 – Tennessee at Florida
Two title potentials, who will stay in the race?

Week 6 – Oklahoma vs. Texas
This game should be big, again as always

Week 6 – Florida at LSU
This could be the national championship game, but it will probably knock one out of the running.

Week 6 – Utah at Louisville
One of five huge games for the under appreciated Mountain West conference

Week 7 – Wisconsin at Penn State
Which Big 10 team will challenge Michigan?

Week 8 – California at UCLA
Narrows down who will challenge USC in the PAC10

Week 9 – Nebraska at Texas
Possible Big 12 Championship match up

Week 9 – Boston College at Virginia Tech
ACC contenders duking it out

Week 11 – USC at California
PAC 10 showdown

Week 11 – Michigan at Wisconsin
Big 10 game of the year

Week 11 – Louisville at West Virginia
Which Big East team will be a title contender?

Week 12 – Ohio State at Michigan
This huge rivalry is always a big game

Week 13 – Boise State at Hawaii
Both teams might be 11-0 and knocking on the BCS’s doorstep

Week 13 – Florida State at Florida
Every year this game is big

Week 14 – UCLA at USC
Another PAC 10 showdown

2007 College Football surprise teams

My surprise teams this year:

 TCU – they are preseason ranked 22 which puts them on the radar. But, they are more dangerous than people think.  I think they have a huge opportunity this year to make a BCS run.

Hawaii – Many people are also predicting a big year from Hawaii, especially with the easy schedule. If they can get past Boise State there is a good chance of being 12-0. But anything can happen in the wild wild WAC.

Kentucky – Never known as a good football school, Kentucky had a good year last year.  Despite playing in the dangerous SEC they are poised to do even better this year.

Missouri – A potent offense that plays in a mediocre Big 12 North Division.  I think they will have a breakout year.

Iowa – The past few years have been downers, look for Iowa to rebound.  They play in a loaded Big 10 conference, however, Iowa seems to have luck on their side – they don’t have to play Michigan or Ohio State this year. Maybe this good fortune can carry onto the field.  

Idaho – Years of being in the bottom 5 worst teams is about to end.  After a record setting 4-8 year in 2006 I think they will surprise some people and end up with an unheard of winning record this year.

West Virginia – though not a huge surprise, West Virginia is going to do some damage. But when has West Virginia ever been this good? Maybe never. Pat White and Steve Slaton are both back and outstanding.  I think they have a good shot at a national Title.

Syracuse – After a couple of bummer seasons look for Syracuse to be back (although not all the way back, just part way).  I think they started the turn around last year and will continue this season.

Colorado – Despite all the problems handed to him, I think Dan Hawkins pulls this team out of the trash and turns some heads. Give it 3-4 years and Colorado will be a powerhouse again.

Notre Dame – Why is no one talking about Notre Dame? Because they have a monster of a schedule.  Everyone assumes they will be bad. They lost a few pieces but if they can overcome the grueling schedule Coach Weiss will have another good team this year.

Southern Mississippi – They will turn some heads

Tennessee – I think they may be in the national title game. A good year for the Ainge family. Eric and Uncle Danny’s Boston Celtics might both be champions.

College Football Preseason Conference Rankings – PAC 10

Sports Gorilla 2007 Preseason Conference Rankings

PAC 10 predictions

1. USC
2. UCLA
3. California
4. Oregon State
5. Arizona
6. Oregon
7. Arizona State
8. Washington
9. Washington State
10. Stanford

The PAC 10 should be very volatile. Clearly USC is the most gifted team in the country. They are the number one ranked team and probably the best. However, they have a very difficult schedule. UCLA and Cal both should be very good and finish ranked in the top 15, but it comes down to when they play each other. I give the nod to UCLA. Oregon State is an up and coming program that might be able to make another good run like last year. But with a new QB and teams aware of them it might be difficult. Arizona is putting the pieces together. They are athletic and dangerous. Oregon and Arizona St both should be bowl bound teams that could also challenge the top 3 if they get things rolling. The PAC 10 has the skills to put together a good conference this year but we will see. I predict an excellent year.

College Football Preseason Conference Rankings – Sun Belt

Sports Gorilla 2007 Preseason Conference Rankings

Sun Belt predictions

1. Troy
2. Middle Tennessee
3. Arkansas State
4. Florida Atlantic
5. North Texas
6. Louisiana-Lafayette
7. Louisiana-Monroe
8. Florida International

College football games with huge implications in 2007 season

As always conference games make or break a season for many NCAA football teams. The SEC and Big 10 are famous for cannibalizing themselves. For the non-BSC conferences (or should I say the conferences that don’t have a freebie into the BCS) it is crucial to walk straight through the conference schedule unbeaten. Besides conference games the non-conference games have huge implications. I have put together a list of absolutely huge season changing games for this season.

2007 Big Football Games:

Week 1 – Tennessee at California
PAC 10 or SEC? Get this season started right in week 1

Week 1 – Utah at Oregon State
I think Oregon State can make some noise this season, but will a non-BCS league make the first knock out?

Week 2 – TCU at Texas
For all the BCS buster lovers this game is huge. I may be more excited to see this game than any other on the schedule.

Week 2 – BYU at UCLA
Can the Mountain West earn respect by ruining UCLA’s hopes?

Week 3 – USC at Nebraska
PAC 10 vs Big 12 frontrunners

Week 3 – West Virginia at Maryland
Big East’s best vs. ACC potential champ candidate

Week 3 – Notre Dame at Michigan
Always entertaining, always important to both teams

Week 3 – Tennessee at Florida
Two title potentials, who will stay in the race?

Week 6 – Oklahoma vs. Texas
This game should be big, again as always

Week 6 – Florida at LSU
This could be the national championship game, but it will probably knock one out of the running.

Week 6 – Utah at Louisville
One of five huge games for the under appreciated Mountain West conference

Week 7 – Wisconsin at Penn State
Which Big 10 team will challenge Michigan?

Week 8 – California at UCLA
Narrows down who will challenge USC in the PAC10

Week 9 – Nebraska at Texas
Possible Big 12 Championship match up

Week 9 – Boston College at Virginia Tech
ACC contenders duking it out

Week 11 – USC at California
PAC 10 showdown

Week 11 – Michigan at Wisconsin
Big 10 game of the year

Week 11 – Louisville at West Virginia
Which Big East team will be a title contender?

Week 12 – Ohio State at Michigan
This huge rivalry is always a big game

Week 13 – Boise State at Hawaii
Both teams might be 11-0 and knocking on the BCS’s doorstep

Week 13 – Florida State at Florida
Every year this game is big

Week 14 – UCLA at USC
Another PAC 10 showdown

College Football Preseason Conference Rankings – Mid-American

Sports Gorilla 2007 Preseason Conference Rankings

Mid-American Conference predictions

East
1. Ohio
2. Bowling Green
3. Kent State
4. Akron
5. Miami (OH)
6. Buffalo
7. Temple

West
1. Central Michigan
2. Western Michigan
3. Northern Illinois
4. Ball State
5. Toledo
6. Eastern Michigan

College Football Preseason Conference Rankings – Mountain West

Sports Gorilla 2007 Preseason Conference Rankings

Mountain West predictions

1. TCU
2. BYU
3. Utah
4. Wyoming
5. New Mexico
6. San Diego State
7. Colorado State
8. Air Force
9. UNLV

I think the Mountain West should have a good year, although in 2008 they should be even better. TCU, Utah and BYU should all be very good teams. All three won bowl games a year ago. Each of them have scheduled some big games that will either earn the conference respect or not. TCU plays at Texas. BYU plays at UCLA. Utah plays at Oregon State, at Louisville and at home against UCLA. Win a couple of these games and that will say a lot about this conference. I think the Mountain West is typically underrated but until they can start winning these big non-conference games they will continue to be overlooked. TCU, BYU and Utah all have young players at key positions and should continue being good for the next few seasons.

The rest of the conference should be up and down. Air Force, New Mexico and Colorado State have been in the decline the past few years and should be around the 500 mark. San Diego State has been improving from the bottom of the league and may be able to make a nice run and have a winning record. Wyoming is always tough despite the recruiting difficulties. UNLV will continue to hope for a miracle turnaround of a downer program. Overall I am predicting good things from the Mountain West.

College Football Preseason Conference Rankings – Conference USA

Sports Gorilla 2007 Preseason Conference Rankings

Conference USA predictions

East
1. Southern Mississippi
2. East Carolina
3. Marshall
4. UCF
5. UAB
6. Memphis

West
1. Houston
2. Tulsa
3. Rice
4. UTEP
5. SMU
6. Tulane

Houston is definitely the team to beat in a wide open Conference USA. The season will be entertaining to see which teams go up and which down. Tulsa and Southern Mississippi both will be pretty good. Rice and East Carolina may be able to make a run as well. Overall, I don’t think C-USA is a tough as in years past.

Eddie Griffin NBA player dies in collision with train

NBA player Eddie Griffin died last week in a car crash with a train. His SUV went through the railroad barrier and was killed as he collided with a train. His SUV and his body were badly burned. He was later identified by his dental records.

6’10 Eddie Griffin was drafted out of Seton Hall in 2001. He played for the Rockets, Nets and most recently the Timberwolves.

It’s a sad story. I remember watching him in college. He had a troubled off the court life and it carried over to ruin his career. The circumstances around his death are still under investigation.

FIBA Americas starts Aug. 22

Many Americans don’t know much about International Basketball. There is more to it than the Olympics. FIBA is international basketball’s governing body. Starting tomorrow, August 22, 2007 the FIBA Americas tournament takes place in Las Vegas and lasts until September 2. This tournament is North and South America put together in one division. FIBA splits the world into 5 divisions: FIBA Africa, FIBA Americas, FIBA Asia, FIBA Europe and RIBA Oceania. Each division competes for standings and invitations to play in World Championships and Olympic competition.

The FIBA Americas has invited the 10 top ranked teams in its division to play in this tournament. This includes the United States, Brazil, Canada, Venezuela, US Virgin Islands, Mexico, Argentina, Panama, Puerto Rico and Uruguay. The FIBA Americas will give out 2 berths to the 2008 Olympics to the two teams that reach the FIBA Americas finals. The third, fourth and fifth place finishers qualify for a FIBA Olympic qualifying tournament that includes 12 teams and will take place next July. That tournament will give out 3 bids for the Beijing Olympics.

International competition will become larger and larger as more nations improve their basketball play. Each nation is also ranked. Here are the current top 20 countries:

International basketball is very exciting. I wish we knew and saw more of it.

Tomorrow the US will play Venezuela. For more information go to FIBA.com

College Football Preseason Conference Rankings – Big 12

Sports Gorilla 2007 Preseason Conference Rankings

Big 12 predictions

North Division
1. Nebraska
2. Missouri
3. Kansas State
4. Colorado
5. Kansas
6. Iowa State

South Division
1. Texas
2. Oklahoma
3. Texas A&M
4. Texas Tech
5. Oklahoma State
6. Baylor

The Big 12 conference looks like it might struggle this year. Its typical top teams are not as stellar as in previous years. Texas definitely looks like the best team and should win the conference title. Oklahoma is picked by many to be really good, but I’m not sure I see it yet (maybe that’s because I keep seeing Boise State highlights in my head from last years Fiesta Bowl). They will most likely be ranked all season, but I don’t think they have enough to compete with Texas.

Nebraska in the North Division is really the only option to go to the conference championship game. Unless Missouri plays big and beats them. Nebraska plays USC which will be a huge non-conference game for the Big 12. I like Missouri and have picked them as one of my surprise teams of the year. But if they can challenge Nebraska remains to be seen. Colorado continues to rebuild. Texas Tech is always potent offensively and should be good. The rest of the teams will be average or below average. Overall not a great year for the Big 12.